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Editor, If you’ve ever been by the bus station on Broadway in Laguna Beach, you’ve probably noticed how dirty it is. It is one of the filthiest places in town. Trash and debris litters the ground. Cigarette butts, candy wrappers, food containers, plastic utensils, Styrofoam,...

By Marshall Ininns Several misconceptions about Friendship Shelter’s proposed permanent supportive housing apartments have made their way in to public statements and news coverage recently. It’s important that we remember the facts: The Alternative Sleeping Location...

Editor, (This letter also went to council members.) The ASL homeless shelter on Canyon Road continues to disrupt the safety of canyon residents on a daily basis as the homeless walk down the canyon road into the city. Unfortunately, homeless often stop in the neighborhoods...

Editor, In response to James Dane’s letter of May 23, I would have to agree that most homeless people prefer life on the street, unburdened by minor trivialities like responsibility, deed, fines or objectives. I am completely opposed to this 40-unit housing for the mentally ill...

Editor, I’d like to give my two cents on open questions in the minds of some locals. The police department does indeed continue to ticket homeless persons for sleeping in public. In calendar year 2013, by my count, the number of tickets issued to homeless persons for...

Editor: At the City Council meeting about the proposal for homeless housing I was appalled and astounded at the multitude of negative remarks that I heard from well-respected townspeople and business owners who had witnessed such atrocious behavior from many of our homeless. I...

Editor, I was present at the City Council meeting last week when the concept for supportive housing for Laguna’s homeless was discussed. It was a respectful and open-hearted forum that enabled voices both pro and con to be heard. Concerns were raised that I, as a supporter of...

Editor, I didn’t get a chance to speak at the last City Council hearing regarding permanent supportive housing and I think of all of us who’ve been serving meals at the ASL for four-plus years that also did not get to speak… For more than 20 years, Friendship...

Editor, I’ve been teaching a weekly meditation/wellness class at Friendship Shelter for four years. My experience with the homeless started when we bought our first house on High Drive, which needed repairs. Contractors were getting hassled by the homeless people who had taken up...

Editor, Every community has homeless. There will always be people who fall on hard times or are so ill they cannot take care of themselves. Harassing them or ticketing them in hopes that they will go away is not a solution. None of us likes anyone defecating in the stream or on...

Editor, Beautifully written (“Soloist’s Closing Coda,” Feb. 21 edition). Thank you for this. The fact that Cliff was hounded by the authorities – ticketed 17 times for sleeping in public and whatever else, having his belongings confiscated – is an injustice. Sadly, it...

Yes, I am “textbook” crazy. But that’s beside the point. Recently, I heard through the homeless grapevine that one of my favorite people who spends his nights at the ASL will soon be leaving Laguna Beach. I confirmed it with the source himself. Jeff is finally able to leave...

Editor, It’s nothing new to have a large congregation of homeless during the summer here in Laguna. But after witnessing one of the regulars smoking pot on the patio of Starbucks this morning I feel compelled to write this letter to express my dismay on the arrogance of...

By: Jessica DeStefano We contribute to drought victims in Somalia, earthquake victims in Afghanistan and tsunami victims in Japan. We build schools in Haiti, save children in the Philippines, dig wells all over Africa. Yet right here at home we shame and stigmatize our own...

Editor, J.T. Price’s letter (June 8) raises questions worth addressing about supportive housing in Laguna Beach. It’s a complex issue, and knowing the facts is key to developing an informed opinion. Price objects, “permanent housing would make our town more of a magnet...